Heeling - Heeling is one of the most important exercises that a dog will learn, as it is the foundation of nearly all obedience tests, and the first exercise that a newcomer to obedience classes will learn.

What is Heeling?

A dog that is heeling is walking beside his handler's left leg.To be heeling well, the dog should not be just sauntering along next to his handler.Instead, the dog's full attention should be on him at all times, so that the dog is ready for a halt or a turn from the handler and later, for changes in pace as well.The dog should heel consistently close and with his shoulder approx. level with the handler's left leg.This cannot be achieved overnight of course, but if the correct aids are used the end result should be a dog working as one with the handler, staying close to his handlers left leg at every move.

Handlers are permitted to talk to, and encourage their dogs as much as they wish, but they must not touch their dogs, have a tight lead or jerk their leads

Exercise

Points

Heel on Lead

15

Heel Free

20

Recall

10

Sit Stay (1 min. Handlers facing their dogs)

10

Down Stay (2 min. Handlers facing their dogs)

20

Total

75

Novice

As in Special Beginners, handlers are permitted to talk to, and encourage their dogs as much as they wish, but they must not touch their dogs, have a tight lead or jerk their leads

Exercise

Points

Heel on Lead

15

Heel Free

20

Recall

10

Retrieve

25

Sit Stay (1 min. Handlers facing away from their dogs)

10

Down Stay (2 min. Handlers facing away from their dogs)

20

Total

100

Test A

Simultaneous command and signal allowed when moving from halt and when telling dog to sit during heelwork.Any extra commands will be penalised.Handler not allowed to tell dog to sit when presenting dumb-bell.

Exercise

Points

Heel on Lead

20

Heel Free

20

Recall

10

Retrieve

25

Sit Stay (1 min. Handlers facing away from their dogs)

10

Down Stay (5 min. Handlers out of sight)

30

Scent Discrimination

30

Total

145

Test B

One command, either voice or hand signal, permitted when moving from halt.Handler not permitted to tell dog to sit at each halt.Simultaneous hand and voice commands allowed only in the send-away.Extra commands will be penalised.Heel work includes normal, fast and slow pace and a left about turn (only at normal and slow pace).Change of pace commences from a halt.

Exercise

Points

Heel Free

40

Sendaway

40

Retrieve

25

Stand Stay (1 min. Handlers out of sight)

10

Sit Stay (2 min. Handlers out of sight)

20

Down Stay (5 min. Handlers out of sight)

50

Scent Discrimination (own scent and 2 decoys)

40

Total

225

Test C

Heelwork is at fast, normal and slow pace with advanced stand, sit and down, left about turn (only at normal and slow pace).Voice or hand signals only permitted; handler not allowed to tell dog to sit at each halt.Simultaneous hand and voice commands permitted only in send-away.Extra commands will be penalised. Retrieve article supplied by judge.